Periodically, we ask industry leaders in the rugged computing and communications market questions about their products, their views, and their opinions on trends, emerging technologies and a variety of other issues.

RuggedPCReview: As far as Winmate's product strategy in ruggedized mobile solutions goes, how will the company address the global migration from legacy Windows CE/Mobile/Embedded Handheld to Android? And do you anticipate a split in this migration with some apps/systems goes to Android and others graduate to Windows?

Allan Lin, Winmate: Over the past decade, Windows CE and WEH 6.5 became the OS platforms of choice for most enterprise mobile devices. However, WEH 6.5 and CE have been off Microsoft mainstream support since 2015. Platform migration has become a critical business decision and task for many enterprise customers in recent years.

The emergence of Android as a viable migration target represents a change in our market and also an opportunity to help our customers. To address this opportunity, Winmate invested in expanding its Android product portfolio from small and mid-size tablets (5" and 7") to larger size tablets (10.1" and 11.6"), and also a brand-new product line of Android-based vehicle mount terminals (7" and 10.4").

Another critical point in this migration is cooperation with software ecosystem providers such as MDM and Terminal Emulation solution providers. Android has been making significant inroads as an enterprise mobile platform suitable for business-critical applications. Through MDM and Android Enterprise solutions, devices can be remotely managed and securely protected. Winmate provides the utility and SDK technical support for our customers to smooth the Android device deployment.

As a mainstream OS on the ARM processor architecture, Android offers a small-footprint software platform running on robust yet power-saving hardware that can run alongside larger, more powerful Windows/Intel systems. We see most legacy CE/ WEH 6.5 customers choosing to migrate to Android solutions instead of going to full Windows 10. We embrace this opportunity to offer robust Android-based rugged mobile devices to enterprise customers.

Winmate has an extensive range of computing solutions, encompassing handheld computers, rugged tablets, panels, IPCs, and embedded systems targeted at a wide variety of markets. Given that rugged laptops continue to be a relatively large market, is Winmate considering adding rugged laptops or 2-in-1 hybrids?

Allan Lin, Winmate: In markets like public safety, field service and others, users may need several ways of entering information. Even with good, durable on-screen keyboards, some users may prefer a physical keyboard for typing and data entry. As a result, even though a growing number of rugged tablets are being deployed in digitalization projects, rugged laptops still have a significant presence in enterprise mobility solutions.

As a result, Winmate is now working on adding rugged laptops into its 2021 product portfolio. According to our marketing research, most decisions rest on either tablet or a laptop computer fit the demand during the project inquiry stage.

As far as 2-in-1 hybrid solutions go, they certainly have their place. However, we do not believe that it is a primary requirement for customers seeking a laptop. Therefore, in the first stage of our rugged laptop product line, Winmate will offer a conventional rugged laptop.

RuggedPCReview: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents both opportunities and challenges to makers of healthcare computing technology. We see a great need for sensor-equipped access control systems, more easily cleaned and disinfected equipment, perhaps a shift from generic anti-microbial to anti-viral materials, and more. What are Winmate's current solutions as well as ideas and solutions for a post-COVID world?

Allan Lin, Winmate: We see two major opportunities related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

First, technology plays an important role in helping to minimize the spread of COVID-19. At Winmate, we're seeing an increase in the number of inquiries about access control systems, and also a growing number of requests for adding sensors for mask detection and temperature measurement. Winmate is now providing a turnkey access control solution based on our mask detection AI deep-learning engine. Demand for such technologies depends on government public mandates, but there may also be limitations due to public concern about sensor-related privacy issues.

Another opportunity arises from the public's concern about possible infection via touch screens. Research shows that the virus can live for days on some surfaces, which makes frequent cleaning and disinfection much important in stopping the disease from spreading. Winmate addresses this issue by implementing new glass-based projective capacitive touch screens to replace the more difficult to clean traditional resistive touch.

The need for frequent deep cleaning with disinfectants such as bleach or isopropyl alcohol or even by hot water-jet washing in the food processing factory can be very hard on many conventionally used housing materials. Here' customers benefit from Winmate's experience with IP69K stainless steel solution that can easily handle intensive cleaning.

RuggedPCReview: Vehicle-mount computers have traditionally been Windows-based, but with rugged Android solutions becoming more popular and literally billions of people familiar with Android, what role do you see for Android in vehicles, and how is Winmate addressing this? Further, how is Winmate addressing the all-important issue of seamless, reliable mobile connectivity?

Allan Lin, Winmate: While Android originated on consumer-based smartphones, the platform has recently made significant inroads as an enterprise mobile platform suitable for business-critical applications. Through MDM (Mobile Device Management), barcode integration, and Android Enterprise solutions, devices can be remotely managed and securely protected at the same time.

Winmate has launched an Android-based vehicle-mount computer product line, with its FM10Q flagship model based on Qualcomm Snapdragon S660 platform and the Android 9.0 operating system. By utilizing the latest WiFi, GPS, and LTE 4G Cat-6/ Cat-12 wireless standards, Winmate FM10Q Android vehicle-mount computers provide our customers with a suitable logistic and forklift application solution.

RuggedPCReview: A look at Winmate's product lines reveals a surprisingly large number of different types and sizes of stainless steel panel PCs. What's the significance of stainless steel, what industries require stainless steel systems, and what differentiates Winmate in those markets?

Allan Lin, Winmate: As mentioned above, Winmate offers various stainless steel Panel PC products to provide a hygienic solution for food processing, chemical-related manufacturing, and public outdoor kiosk applications. With the concern of the virus spreading via public kiosks and other touch systems, much more frequent cleaning and disinfection have become a mandatory and critical practice. With our glass-based projective capacitive touch screen designs and SUS 316/ AISI 316 stainless steel housings, Winmate's solution can easily handle frequent disinfection and even hot water-jet cleaning.

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Allan Lin is CEO of Winmate Communication US Inc. He held prior executive and management positions at SanDisk and Macronix. Mr. Lin holds an MBA degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, a Master's degree from Japan Center, Thunderbird in Tokyo, and a Bachelor's degree from National Taiwan University.